NFHS Coach Education Program Updates Fundamentals of Coaching Course

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coach Education Program has released an update to its flagship course – “Fundamentals of Coaching” – which is now available at www.nfhslearn.com.

Continuing with the NFHS’s desire to provide coaches with up-to-date resources and the opportunity to become better teacher-coaches, the NFHS has updated the “Fundamentals of Coaching” course originally produced in 2007.

Tim Flannery, director of coach education at the NFHS, said the new course content addresses topics such as social media.

“If you wind the clock back six years ago, social media is not what it is today,” Flannery said. “That has changed the landscape for the coaches and the kids.”

Not only will users find additional and updated content, but the look of the online course has changed as well. Flannery said that the screen is larger and now includes additional exercises, including allowing coaches the opportunity to reflect on their current practices. The course is also available to be taken on mobile devices.

Flannery said one of the goals of the Coach Education Program is to emphasize the importance of ongoing professional development for coaches.

“If professional development became each coach’s goal, it would change the culture of coaching and provide a more positive sport experience for students who participate,” Flannery said.

The NFHS Coach Education Program offers 33 online courses, including the two core courses – “Fundamentals of Coaching” and “First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches.” The NFHS also offers 14 sport-specific courses and 17 elective courses, including eight that are free.